The Sun Also Rises Character
JB
Jake Barnes
Narrator
Calm
Thoughtful
Loyal
Restrained
The narrator and main character of the story. An American journalist living in Paris who was wounded in World War I, leaving him impotent. He loves Lady Brett Ashley deeply but is unable to be with her, which forms the central emotional tension of the narrative.
LB
Lady Brett Ashley
Protagonist
Also known as: Brett
Independent
Passionate
Restless
Alluring
A beautiful Englishwoman and the central heroine of the story. She loves Jake but cannot give up physical love, leading her to move from one man to another. Her restlessness and desires create jealousy and conflict among the men around her.
RC
Robert Cohn
Antagonist
Insecure
Awkward
Obsessive
Sensitive
An American writer and former college boxer who did not fight in World War I, leaving him feeling like an outsider among his peers. He develops an obsessive love for Brett and causes significant conflict when she rejects him. He is often mocked and dismissed by the group.
BG
Bill Gorton
Supporting
Funny
Carefree
Loyal
Witty
An American writer and Jake's close friend. He drinks heavily but balances the group dynamic with humor and genuine wisdom. He provides levity and emotional support throughout the story.
MC
Mike Campbell
Supporting
Bitter
Loud
Drunk
Insecure
Brett's fiancé and a Scottish war veteran. He is frequently drunk and openly bitter about Brett's affairs, yet continues to cling to her. His awareness of her infidelities fuels his loud and unstable behavior.
PR
Pedro Romero
Supporting
Brave
Graceful
Passionate
Disciplined
A young Spanish bullfighter who embodies traditional masculinity, grace, and genuine passion. Brett has an affair with him during the fiesta in Pamplona. He serves as a symbolic figure representing strength, authenticity, and a meaningful way of living.
CM
Count Mippipopolous
Supporting
Generous
Kind
Philosophical
World-weary
A wealthy Greek count who enjoys drinking and the pleasures of life. He is kind and generous toward Brett and Jake, and bears scars from the war. He represents a calm acceptance of life's terms and a refined approach to enjoyment.
FC
Frances Clyne
Minor
Jealous
Demanding
Frustrated
Quarrelsome
Robert Cohn's girlfriend at the beginning of the story. She is jealous and demanding in her relationship with Cohn, frequently quarreling with him before eventually leaving him.
M
Montoya
Minor
Passionate
Principled
Respectful
Protective
The owner of the hotel in Pamplona and a devoted aficionado of bullfighting. He holds deep respect for both Jake and Pedro Romero, but becomes disillusioned when Jake facilitates the meeting between Brett and Romero, fearing Brett's influence will corrupt Romero's talent.
HS
Harvey Stone
Minor
Dissolute
Aimless
World-weary
A drunkard and acquaintance of Jake in Paris. He appears briefly as part of the expatriate social circle surrounding Jake.
GH
Georgette Hobin
Minor
Pragmatic
Candid
Transient
A prostitute who briefly accompanies Jake in Paris at the start of the story. Her appearance is fleeting and serves to highlight Jake's loneliness and social world.
B
Belmonte
Symbolic
Faded
Proud
Struggling
Past his prime
An aging Spanish bullfighter who comes out of retirement during the fiesta. He fails to impress the crowd and serves as a symbolic contrast to the young and vital Pedro Romero, representing the theme of decline and lost glory.